Entry Level Bench Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

This Chemist II position supports Pharmaceutical Quality Control laboratory operations. You will perform a wide range of analytical and wet chemistry testing, including HPLC and GC, to ensure products meet strict quality and regulatory standards. This role offers structured training, hands-on analytical experience, and clear opportunities to advance into quality or analytical development paths.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex analytical testing using HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, GC-MS, and other chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques in accordance with established procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Conduct wet chemistry analyses, including titrations and other standard chemical tests, and interpret results in correlation with other analytical data.
• Log in samples and specimens accurately, recording date, time, and tests to be performed, and ensure proper sample identification and traceability.
• Prepare samples for testing by diluting, filtering, centrifuging, digesting, or otherwise processing them according to laboratory protocols.
• Prepare and organize necessary equipment, supplies, reagents, and standards prior to testing to ensure efficient workflow.
• Run quality control samples with known values to verify that procedures and results remain within acceptable limits and take appropriate action when deviations occur.
• Enter test results into logs, specification sheets, and laboratory information systems with a high degree of accuracy and completeness.
• Complete test result forms and promptly notify supervisors or appropriate stakeholders of significant or out-of-specification findings.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records detailing quality control procedures, test methods, and results for all analyses performed.
• Perform routine calibration, verification, and minor maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure reliable and consistent performance.
• Support preventative laboratory maintenance activities to keep instruments and equipment in optimal working condition.
• Monitor inventory of reagents, consumables, and laboratory supplies, and inform supervisors of replenishment needs in a timely manner.
• Stay current in the field of analytical chemistry by reading scientific literature and, as applicable, attending workshops or symposiums.
• Maintain knowledge of and compliance with GMP operations, laboratory safety procedures, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Apply logical and scientific thinking to solve a wide range of intellectual and practical problems encountered in daily laboratory work.
• Interpret and work with nonverbal scientific information such as formulas, equations, graphs, and other technical data.
• Write clear and concise reports, business correspondence, and procedural documentation related to laboratory activities.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from internal stakeholders, including managers, clients, and customers, as needed.
• Stand for extended periods, use hands to handle laboratory tools and controls, and reach with hands and arms while performing bench work.
• Regularly lift and move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds of equipment, reagents, or samples as required by laboratory operations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree (BS) or equivalent in Chemistry or a related science field from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 0–2 years of laboratory experience, with entry-level chemistry graduates strongly considered.
• At least 1 year of HPLC experience from industry or academic settings, or equivalent analytical laboratory experience.
• Experience with GC (gas chromatography) from school or industry is preferred.
• Hands-on wet chemistry experience, including titration and routine bench chemistry techniques.
• Experience working in a GMP or similarly regulated laboratory environment, or a strong understanding of GMP principles.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, GC-MS, and related chromatography and mass spectrometry systems.
• Demonstrated ability to perform sample preparation techniques, including dilution, filtration, centrifugation, and digestion.
• Experience with laboratory documentation practices, including accurate data recording and adherence to established procedures.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical materials such as professional journals, technical procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to write clear reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to present information and respond to questions from internal groups, including managers, clients, and customers.
• Strong logical and scientific reasoning skills, with the ability to solve complex analytical problems and work with abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to interpret and work with nonverbal scientific information, including formulas, equations, and graphs.
• Comfort with Microsoft Office applications for data entry, reporting, and documentation.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and to lift and move up to 50 pounds as required by laboratory operations.
• Ability to perform all essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a pharmaceutical or related industry quality control laboratory.
• Familiarity with preventative laboratory maintenance and basic instrument troubleshooting.
• Experience with calibration procedures for laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Exposure to documentation-focused roles or interest in transitioning into documentation or quality-focused positions.
• Interest in career growth into Quality or Analytical Development teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and compliance.
• Ability to work effectively on a structured weekend schedule and adapt to a 24/7 support environment.
• Willingness to stay current with advances in analytical chemistry through reading and professional development activities.

Work Environment

This role is based in a Quality Control laboratory environment that supports 24/7 operations as customer projects expand. You will work alongside a team of approximately 20–25 professionals in the QC lab, using advanced analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, GC-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis, and other chromatography and mass spectrometry systems. Initial training takes place over approximately three months on a The work involves frequent standing at the bench, regular use of hands for handling instruments and samples, and the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds. The laboratory operates under GMP guidelines with a strong focus on safety, accuracy, and teamwork, and offers clear opportunities to grow into more advanced analytical or quality-focused roles as operations continue to expand.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Morton Grove, IL.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $34.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Morton Grove,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.